between barren ease and rich unrest

Last night, the husband and I drove the hour down to Binghamton to take in a show. We’re not strangers to such things. We once made the trip from Knoxville to Nashville to catch a Scott Miller gig, hung out with said Miller after the show, drove back to Knoxville, showered, and went straight to work at 9 a.m.

Then we had kids. And got older. Now, if a show starts after 9 p.m. or I have to stand the whole time or the venue allows smoking, I’m a hard pass.

Chris Thile is my one exception.

I saw Nickel Creek in a tiny venue in Knoxville -- I’m not sure anyone in the band had gone through puberty yet -- and the hook was set. Thile -- yes, the new host of Prairie Home Companion -- always has a side hustle or two in the works, including a CD of mandolin-based Bach covers and one with YoYo Ma*. Punch Brothers, an ongoing project, is known for their innovative approach to bluegrass as well as covers of just about everything.**

After I took this, I unplugged to soak it in. And there was so much to soak in. Long story short, it was bliss to watch people do exactly what they should be doing.

The husband and I made it home by 1 a.m., slept, and were in our respective offices on time.

Here’s where I should say something eloquent about the nature of music and how it can bring joy to the human soul but, y’all, I’m too sleepy to think. Can we just take that as read? And go see this show, if you can. Trust me.

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*Which I mention so that I can share this picture of YoYo Ma with a wombat: